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Food & Supplements for Brain Health & Cognitive Performance | Huberman Lab Essentials

2025-09-11 Science & Technology
185.0k
6.3k
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Andrew Huberman
Andrew Huberman
7.5m subscribers

Science-Supported Nutrients and Principles for Rewiring Food Preferences

Learn which five key nutrients directly support long-term brain structure and cognitive function, and discover the three powerful signals that drive your unconscious food choices—including how to rewire them.

Short Summary

  • Identify five key structural/functional nutrients: Omega-3s (EPA/DHA), Phosphatidylserine, Choline, Creatine, and Anthocyanins.
  • Understand the three major channels guiding food decisions: taste/mouthfeel, subconscious gut signaling, and learned belief effects.
  • Acquire tools to adjust food preferences in as little as seven days by pairing desired foods with metabolic reward signals.

This episode details essential nutrients supporting neural structure (fatty acids, phospholipids) and function (metabolic precursors). Furthermore, it deconstructs food choice into taste, gut signaling related to nutrient content, and the powerful influence of belief, offering practical steps to shift cravings toward healthier options.

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Description

In this ⁠Huberman Lab Essentials⁠ episode, I discuss science-supported nutrients that directly support brain structure, function and long-term cognitive health. I highlight specific nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, creatine, phosphatidylserine, anthocyanins, choline and glutamine, and discuss their recommended doses and dietary sources. I also describe how taste perception, gut-brain signaling and learned associations shape what foods we prefer and crave. Finally, I share practical behavioral tools to help rewire your food preferences toward healthier choices. Episode show notes: https://go.hubermanlab.com/Nyby76Z Huberman Lab Essentials are short episodes focused on essential science and protocol takeaways from past full-length Huberman Lab episodes. Watch the full-length episode: https://youtu.be/E7W4OQfJWdw Watch more Huberman Lab Essentials episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPNW_gerXa4OGNy1yE-W9IX-tPu-tJa7S *Follow Huberman Lab* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hubermanlab Threads: https://www.threads.net/@hubermanlab X: https://twitter.com/hubermanlab Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hubermanlab TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hubermanlab LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-huberman Website: https://www.hubermanlab.com Newsletter: https://www.hubermanlab.com/newsletter *Timestamps* 00:00:00 Food & Brain Health 00:01:32 Structural Fat & Neurons, Tools: Omega-3s, EPA; Phosphatidylserine 00:05:11 Acetylcholine & Focus, Tool: Dietary Choline 00:06:48 Creatine & Brain Health, Tool: Creatine Supplementation 00:08:26 Anthocyanins & Brain Function, Tool: Blueberries & Berries 00:09:37 Glutamine & Brain, Tool: Glutamine & Offset Sugar Cravings 00:11:33 Brain-Boosting Nutrients, Foods & Supplements 00:13:48 Food Preference; Yum, Yuck or Meh; Mouth, Taste & Palatability 00:18:15 Gut, Nutrients & Subconscious Signaling 00:20:41 Learned Food Preferences, Tool: Unpair Artificial Sweeteners 00:26:34 Belief Effects, Satiety, Tool: Rewiring Food Preferences 00:31:53 Recap & Key Takeaways Disclaimer & Disclosures: https://www.hubermanlab.com/disclaimer

Top Comments (10)

@ais89x 2025-09-14

[01:57] The most important food element for brain function is fat. [03:35] Consume enough omega-3 fatty acids to support healthy brain function. These can be found in fish, chia seeds, walnuts, and soybeans. [04:46] Phosphatidylserine, which is abundant in meats and fish, has been shown to be directly supportive of neuronal function. [06:14] Choline, which can be found in eggs, potatoes, nuts, and seeds, is important for focus and concentration. [06:54] Creatine, which can be derived from meat sources or supplements, can be used as a fuel source in the brain and can enhance the function of certain frontal cortical circuits. [09:01] Anthocyanins, found in blueberries and other dark berries, have been shown to improve brain function. [10:45] Glutamine, which is found in protein-rich foods, can help offset sugar cravings.

317 14 replies
@LLudakart 2025-09-11

I stopped using marijuana after 22 years of constant use 2 months ago and the last 2 months have been filled with the most vivid dreams i remember every morning

285 38 replies
@REDLIGHTGLASSESonthischannel 2025-09-11

awesome video thanks! Takeaway: meat, fish, eggs, blueberries, blackberries, cottage cheese, spinach, cabbage, regular consumption reinforces preferences.

131 4 replies
@hubermanlab 2025-09-11

Thank you for watching. Please click the subscribe tab and then the "bell" icon to subscribe to our channel here on YouTube and get notified when new content is posted... And thank you for your interest in science! -- Andrew

105 7 replies
@eelnedroj 2025-09-11

Black coffee is awful, but if you drink it a few days in a row it becomes quite tasty, just took some rewiring. Much like beer it's an acquired taste.

63 7 replies
@monique-y6o 2025-09-11

I really enjoy your paraphrased episodes. They are the biggest bang for my buck/attention.🙏🏼

48 3 replies
@PrasanthRaj57 2025-09-20

I pray to god to give you good health and good healthy life span so that you can continue your valuable contributions for long time for the betterment of mankind 🙏

41 2 replies
@bronzey01 2025-09-11

I take pretty much all of these, even eat blueberries and cottage cheese almost every day because my body craves it. I can definitely tell a difference when I skip a day.

37
@Lachx23 2025-09-12

For a future episode, I’d love if you could cover the topic of self-harm. It’s something many people struggle with in silence, and having an open, compassionate discussion could help break stigma, raise awareness, and provide comfort or resources to those who need it.

36 3 replies
@Julialandon5360 2025-09-17

does an entire pint of ice cream help.. JK ILY Dr. H!

3

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